Why is there no public event as part of the consultation for this proposed development?
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold a public consultation event. As an alternative, we have created this website to share project information.
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run until Sunday 17th January 2021. After that time, all feedback received will be reviewed and the planning application will be finalised.
What is the current proposed project timeline?
It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council in Q1 2021.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
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Site Location
The site of the proposed Moat Solar Farm is located in Moat Farm, Newent GL18 1JG. It is approximately 1km from Newent.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 192 acres.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 30 years.
Site Access
Construction traffic will access the site via an unnamed road off the B4215 that runs to the east of the site and connects to Kent’s Green Road.
Installation Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the installation period, which is estimated to take approximately 16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 30-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
The development at Moat Farm has undergone a highways assessment in order to minimise the impact of construction traffic associated with the site. A route has been selected directly from the access to the proposed site all the way to junction 3 of the M50 with part of it shown by the dashed line in the Site Location Plan. The route itself is ideal as it utilises the B4215 and, in doing so, avoids Newent town centre.
The only section of the haulage route which utilises a narrow track is the section from the site access point to the T-junction with the B4215. However, as part of the development, this narrow track will be improved to ensure that large construction traffic will be able to safely reach the access point and not jeopardise the safety of any other vehicles using the same stretch of track. The improvements will include the creation of passing places along the narrow stretch, this will allow for large lorries and cars to safely pass each other.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 30-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Moat Solar Farm will take approximately 4 – 6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Where possible, all of the proposed Moat Solar Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
Once energised, Moat Solar Farm will generate in the region of 43,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. This is sufficient to power approximately 12,000 homes or 16,000 electric vehicles. Over its lifetime, the development will offset more than 570,000 tonnes of CO2.
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How does Solar PV work?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move, or are dislodged, they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
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Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 30-year lifetime of the development.
Existing hedgerows and vegetation will be retained as far as possible including an existing orchard. Additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). It is intended that sheep will graze the site once the solar farm is operational. These measures combined will enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within arable farmland that is classified as Grade 3b land.
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Noise
The only moving part on site is a small fan within the inverters that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape and Glint & Glare
There will be minor landscape and visual impacts for the 30-year lifespan of the project. However, this is considered to be localised and appropriate boundary planting together with the retention and protection of existing trees and hedgerows can soften the boundaries of the site to assist with its integration into the landscape. A Glint and Glare Assessment is being prepared to support the planning application. However, solar panels are designed to absorb, rather than reflect sunlight, and will result in minimal impact in this regard. This is evidenced by the installation of PV panels adjacent to the runways at Gatwick airport.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no increased risk of flood as little impermeable hard surfacing is required, the majority of the solar farm remains open grassland and watercourses and features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes. In addition, the panels are raised on a prefabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.
Why is there no public event as part of the consultation for this proposed development?
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold a public consultation event. As an alternative, we have created this website to share project information.
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run until Sunday 17th January 2021. After that time, all feedback received will be reviewed and the planning application will be finalised.
What is the current proposed project timeline?
It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council in Q1 2021.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
CLOSE
Site Location
The site of the proposed Moat Solar Farm is located in Moat Farm, Newent GL18 1JG. It is approximately 1km from Newent.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 192 acres.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 30 years.
Site Access
Construction traffic will access the site via an unnamed road off the B4215 that runs to the east of the site and connects to Kent’s Green Road.
Installation Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the installation period, which is estimated to take approximately 16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 30-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
The development at Moat Farm has undergone a highways assessment in order to minimise the impact of construction traffic associated with the site. A route has been selected directly from the access to the proposed site all the way to junction 3 of the M50 with part of it shown by the dashed line in the Site Location Plan. The route itself is ideal as it utilises the B4215 and, in doing so, avoids Newent town centre.
The only section of the haulage route which utilises a narrow track is the section from the site access point to the T-junction with the B4215. However, as part of the development, this narrow track will be improved to ensure that large construction traffic will be able to safely reach the access point and not jeopardise the safety of any other vehicles using the same stretch of track. The improvements will include the creation of passing places along the narrow stretch, this will allow for large lorries and cars to safely pass each other.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 30-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Moat Solar Farm will take approximately 4 – 6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Where possible, all of the proposed Moat Solar Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
Once energised, Moat Solar Farm will generate in the region of 43,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. This is sufficient to power approximately 12,000 homes or 16,000 electric vehicles. Over its lifetime, the development will offset more than 570,000 tonnes of CO2.
CLOSE
How does Solar PV work?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move, or are dislodged, they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
CLOSE
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 30-year lifetime of the development.
Existing hedgerows and vegetation will be retained as far as possible including an existing orchard. Additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). It is intended that sheep will graze the site once the solar farm is operational. These measures combined will enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within arable farmland that is classified as Grade 3b land.
CLOSE
Noise
The only moving part on site is a small fan within the inverters that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape and Glint & Glare
There will be minor landscape and visual impacts for the 30-year lifespan of the project. However, this is considered to be localised and appropriate boundary planting together with the retention and protection of existing trees and hedgerows can soften the boundaries of the site to assist with its integration into the landscape. A Glint and Glare Assessment is being prepared to support the planning application. However, solar panels are designed to absorb, rather than reflect sunlight, and will result in minimal impact in this regard. This is evidenced by the installation of PV panels adjacent to the runways at Gatwick airport.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no increased risk of flood as little impermeable hard surfacing is required, the majority of the solar farm remains open grassland and watercourses and features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes. In addition, the panels are raised on a prefabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.